The Chinese mainland has called on Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove barriers preventing full resumption of direct flights across the Taiwan Strait. With only 300 weekly round-trip flights currently operating – down from 890 pre-2020 – officials say travel demand is being stifled by political obstacles. 🌏
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua emphasized Wednesday that 'the mainland has no restrictions' on flight resumptions, urging Taiwan to let airlines ‘plan based on market demands’. Air connectivity between 15 mainland airports and Taiwan remains at just one-third of pre-pandemic levels.
Young travelers and business professionals are particularly impacted by the shortage, with many taking to social media to demand #MoreCrossStraitFlights. Analysts suggest improved air links could boost cultural exchanges and economic cooperation in 2026.
